Moving to Mozambique

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Original passport with visa
  • Packing list
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) – no express release or telex release accepted / air waybill (AWB)
  • Original valued inventory in Portuguese, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods
  • Invoice for all electrical items less than 6 months old
  • Resident permit / work permit
  • Letter of employment
  • Copy of diplomat card
  • Copy of NUIT certificate (tax identification number)

Specific Information

  • Household goods are duty free if in the owner`s possession for at least 6 months prior to import; otherwise, duties will be levied.
  • Agents must have all Customs documents at least 15 days prior to the arrival of the shipment to obtain the documents for free entry from the Ministry (Diplomats).
  • Personal effects must arrive in Mozambique, maximum 6 months after the shipper`s first arrival in the country.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Original passport
  • Original registration card
  • Original purchase invoice
  • OBL / no express or telex release (2 copies)
  • Copy of diplomat card
  • Copy of NUIT certificate (tax identification number)
  • Duty exemption certificate

Specific Information

  • Vehicle should be at least 12 months in owner’s possession to obtain duty free importation.
  • To obtain duty free importation, the duty exemption certificate must be obtained at least one week prior to arrival.
  • Only diplomats and returning nationals are allowed to import 1 used vehicle duty free but they need to obtain exemption from Customs prior to arrival of shipment.
  • Taxes range from 5% to 110% depending on age, size, power, etc.
  • The OBL must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand and model.
  • Depending on the HS code, vehicle may be subject to pre-shipment inspection. 

Pets

Documents Required

  • Vaccination record
  • Mozambique veterinary certificate (if traveling from the U.S. or Canada)
  • Import permit

Specific Information

  • Mozambique veterinary certificate must be complete within 10 days of import.
  • Animals must be vaccinated for rabies and other diseases at least 30 days but not more than 1 year prior to import.
  • All documentation must reflect owner’s name.
  • Healthy pets are not quarantined if meeting import requirements.
  • Microchips are highly recommended.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • Alcohol and other spirits should not be sent in the household goods shipment but hand carried; spirits (1L) and wine (2.25 L)
  • Arms and ammunitions (subject to authorization from the territorial administration)
  • The following items may qualify for free import within the limits indicated:
    • Cigarettes (400) and tobacco (250 g)
    • Perfume (50 ml)
    • Persons must be 18 years and older to carry hand carry alcohol or tobacco.

Prohibited Items

  • Drugs and narcotics
  • Pornography, defamatory and obscene publications

Consignment Instructions

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Cultural and Other Information